exceptionally

American  

[ik-sep-shuh-nuh-lee] / ɪkˈsɛp ʃə nə li /

adverb

1. in a way or to a degree that is unusual or extraordinary; extremely.

   The combination of an exceptionally high tide and a devastating storm surge has wreaked havoc on coastal communities.

   In the photo, a young woman sits on the floor of a small shanty in an exceptionally impoverished neighborhood.

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Other Word Forms

• nonexceptionally
  adverb
• preexceptionally
  adverb
• quasi-exceptionally
  adverb
• superexceptionally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of exceptionally

exceptional ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

A walk in the park is nice, but it’s exceptionally nice on a beautiful spring day when the weather is perfect, flowers are blooming, and birds are singing. Think of the word exceptionally as a magic wand that upgrades adjectives from ordinary to extraordinary. For example, a good day could just be a pleasant day when nothing bad happens, but an exceptionally good day would be closer to having the best day of your life. While exceptionally usually carries a positive meaning, it can also be used to describe something that is particularly unusual, like an exceptionally large shrimp.

Example Sentences

After a dizzying cascade of revelations about his background, he delivers an exceptionally revealing monologue that strikes some late and very welcome grace notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

“Through their commitment to filmmaking, this year’s exceptionally talented class has made significant contributions to our global movie industry.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

These defects are exceptionally sensitive to nearby magnetic activity.

From Science Daily • Jun. 23, 2026

In France on Monday, two children died during the country's second exceptionally intense heatwave of the year.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

We agreed that Mother had, indeed, been exceptionally efficient.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Related Words

• abnormally